Health Library

Maintenance-Free Respirators

Maintenance-free respirators are one of the most common types. You don't clean or maintain these respirators after use. You simply throw them away. They are worn to capture particles. But they also may guard against nuisance odors (smells that are unpleasant, but not dangerous).

WARNING

DO NOT wear a maintenance-free dust mask to protect against gases and vapors. Also DO NOT wear them for IDLH settings. These include areas with oxygen deficiencies or highly concentrated hazards.

How Maintenance-Free Respirators Work

A maintenance-free respirator (also called a disposable respirator or a dust mask) is a simple filtering device. It fits over the nose and mouth. The mask then traps particles as you inhale. Some may have an exhalation valve to help ease breathing. These respirators are best for tasks that have a low to moderate hazard, such as:

Woodworking

Sanding

Insulating

Sweeping

Mixing

How to Put Them On

The steps to the right will help you put your respirator on properly. To work, a respirator must fit snugly around the mouth and nose. These respirators require "fit testing" to ensure a proper fit, prior to general use. Facial hair, dentures or other dental work, skin problems, and glasses can prevent proper fitting. Talk to your supervisor if you can't get a good fit.

When to Replace Them

Replace a maintenance-free respirator if its inside gets exposed to hazards. Also replace after one use or according to the guidelines of your employer or the manufacturer.